WATCH: Cornish crews congratulated over coaster rescue

The crews of two Cornwall lifeboats have been commended for 'outstanding' work following a major rescue last year.

Penlee RNLI and Sennen RNLI were scrambled in March after the engines of a huge coaster completely failed in gale force conditions.

The Lady Alida, an 88m, 3,600-tonne merchant ship, had got into trouble three miles off Gwennap Head with seven people on board.

The Penlee managed to attach a tow rope to pull the vessel to safer, deeper waters, along with the Sennen lifeboat.

And crews were then called out for a second time in a matter of hours while she waited for a tug from Plymouth.

Now RNLI operations director George Rawlinson has send a letter of congratulations.

He said: "The size of the casualty vessel, poor weather conditions, and operating in close proximity to another lifeboat, made this a very challenging rescue.

"However, the professionalism and good teamwork displayed by both crews together with excellent boat handling by both coxswains, resulted in a successful outcome.

"My sincerest thanks to coxswain, crew and those who supported them at the station."

You can watch footage of the rescue here:

A spokesperson for Penlee RNLI said: "Many of you will remember the outstanding rescue of the ‘Lady Alida’ by the Penlee and Sennen Lifeboats in March last year. This was a significant and lengthy service for both stations

"‘Lady Alida’, a 88m 3600-ton merchant ship, suffered engine failure 3 miles south of Gwennap Head. She was drifting towards the shore with a strong SW wind Force 6-7 and a 3-4 metre swell. In those conditions the all-weather lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’ joined the Sennen Cove lifeboat ‘City of London III’ and a tow was established.

"In difficult weather conditions, both coxswains and crew demonstrated commendable seamanship in securing the tow. They were at sea for 11 hours keeping the Lady Alida in safer waters until a tug arrived.

"The outstanding work, determination and professionalism of both crews has now been recognised by George Rawlinson, RNLI Operations Director, and a letter of congratulations has been received at Penlee & Sennen Lifeboat Stations.

"‘The size of the casualty vessel, poor weather conditions, and operating in close proximity to another lifeboat, made this a very challenging rescue. However, the professionalism and good teamwork displayed by both crews together with excellent boat handling by both coxswains, resulted in a successful outcome. My sincerest thanks to coxswain, crew and those who supported them at the station’."